Downfall's Echo (The Kyona Chronicles, #6)

by Deborah Grace White

[phyllish]

A fantastic conclusion to the series!

There is something exciting and yet sad about the final book of a series, especially one that has more than three books. Knowing that this is the last you will hear about the characters…

I have come to the conclusion that there is an art to writing a good ending. Wrapping up plot details without making it appear to be a list of resolutions is something some authors seem to have difficulty with. In Downfall’s Echo, Deborah Grace White has beautifully tied up the loose ends of the Kyonia Chronicles, not only for this story but also for the entire series.

Having met Henrik in Legacy of the Curse, I couldn’t help but admire him and hope to learn more of his story. So I was excited to discover that Downfall’s Echo is all about him. Yay!

More than simply a knight of the realm, Henrik is also the best friend of the younger prince and as such, has more access to the castle and the royal family than most. And yet even that privilege has its limits. The Queen has made it clear that she merely tolerates him.

When whispers of mystery and danger to the kingdom begin to sound in the palace and throughout the capital city, Henrik can’t help but do everything in his power to ensure the safety of the royal family and the kingdom.

There are many things to love about Henrik. His impetuousness is one. And his extreme devotion to the kingdom. What I loved the most, however, was his humility. He never presumed to be more than the youngest son of a viscount and never expected more from the prince than friendship. Even when circumstances were against him and everyone seemed to have turned their backs on him, his first thoughts and instincts were of serving and protecting!

The pace of Downfall’s Echo begins a little more slowly than the others in the series, most of which start out with a bang. There is more court intrigue and relationship building at the onset but don’t worry, the action comes and when it does, it is long enough and described so clearly that you won’t be lost and unable to figure out what is happening, even amid the flashing of the swords and the pounding of horses’ hoofs!

If you have yet to read any of the Kyonia Chronicles, you will want to read them all in order. While technically each one could stand alone and has a clear and satisfying ending, each builds on the previous and you will miss some of the things that are going on.

Lovers of adventure fantasy – young adults and older – will not want to miss this satisfying series!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.